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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Harriet sees Peter in Oxford, what is he wearing?

2. Who calls Harriet to tell her that he spotted the culprit?

3. As Peter and Harriet prepare to take coffee in the Senior Common Room, what does Peter ask Harriet to do?

4. Who finishes the sonnet that Harriet began writing?

5. What does Peter discuss with Miss Hillyard?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Peter suggest that Harriet alter her novel?

2. Is Miss Hillyard responsible for smashing Harriet's chess set?

3. Why does Miss de Vine have a heart attack?

4. Why is Harriet suspicious of Miss Hillyard at the end of Chapter 18?

5. How do Peter and Harriet spend their day together after he returns from York?

6. How is Harriet attacked?

7. How do Harriet and Peter spend the afternoon of his first day in Oxford?

8. Why is Harriet surprised to see Peter in Oxford?

9. What causes the Warden to agree to seek professional help in solving the mystery?

10. What does Pomfret accuse Harriet of when he meets her in Chapter 12?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The issue of women's education versus domesticity occurs frequently in Gaudy Night. Even Harriet is at one time disposed to believe that the culprit is one of the female dons who has gone mad from learning and suppressed sexual desires. How is it ironic that Annie, a married uneducated women, is the mad culprit? Is Dorothy Sayers conveying a message through this? In your answer, consider the author's own life experience.

Essay Topic 2

Both Pomfret and Peter propose to Harriet. Compare these two men in regard to the following areas: their personalities, their ages, their interactions with Harriet, and the success of their proposals.

Essay Topic 3

Harriet agrees to help with the mystery at Shrewsbury because "there did come moments when all personal feelings had to be set aside in the interests of public service." Explain this statement and answer the following questions. How is this conclusion debated later when Peter has coffee in the Senior Common Room? What is an example of someone besides Harriet who does this?

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